Description
Charred Asparagus with Fresh Preserved Lemon Dressing is a bright and flavorful side dish featuring tender asparagus spears with beautiful char marks, enhanced by a tangy, garlicky preserved lemon dressing. Perfect for spring and summer meals, this recipe combines the smoky taste from grilling or broiling with the zesty freshness of preserved lemons and herbs, making a simple yet elegant accompaniment to any main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound Fresh Asparagus (Look for firm, vibrant green spears.)
Dressing
- 1-2 lemons Fresh Preserved Lemons (Rinse well before use to remove excess salt.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for dressing.)
- 1 handful Chopped Fresh Herbs (Such as parsley or dill for added flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Enhances flavor and helps with caramelization.)
- Sea Salt (To taste.)
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (To taste.)
Instructions
- Prep Asparagus: Rinse the asparagus under cold water thoroughly to clean, then trim off the woody ends to ensure tender bites.
- Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill or oven broiler to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for charring the asparagus.
- Coat Asparagus: Spread the asparagus evenly on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil; toss to coat each spear thoroughly for even cooking and caramelization.
- Season and Char: Season the asparagus with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then grill or broil for 6-8 minutes until tender and nicely charred with grill marks.
- Make Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped preserved lemons, and one tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to blend flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and add sea salt and black pepper as needed for the desired balance.
- Serve: Once the asparagus is charred and cooked through, remove it from heat and drizzle generously with the preserved lemon dressing. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- When selecting asparagus, choose firm, bright green spears with closed tips for the freshest flavor.
- Rinse preserved lemons thoroughly to reduce saltiness before chopping.
- This dish can be grilled outdoors or broiled in the oven for convenience.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill brighten the dressing and complement the charred flavor.
- Serve this asparagus as a side for grilled meats, fish, or plant-based mains for a fresh, tangy flavor contrast.
